Duodenoscopy and endoscopic retrograde choledochopancreatography: present position in relation to periampullary and pancreatic cancer.

Duodenoscopy and endoscopic retrograde choledochopancreatography represent a major advance in the diagnosis of periampullary and pancreatic lesions. Instruments, techniques and complications are reviewed. A combination of endoscopy and ERCP will yield diagnosis in a high proportion of patients suspected of pancreatic or ampullary carcinomata. Information is obtained which is not only of diagnostic value but is important in the surgical treatment of such patients.